The Snow Patrol.

The Snow Patrol. (Vintage Han Solo (Hoth Battle Gear), Vintage Tauntauns, Vintage Luke Skywalker (Hoth Battle Gear))

The Snow Patrol.
(Vintage Han Solo (Hoth Battle Gear), Vintage Tauntauns, Vintage Luke Skywalker (Hoth Battle Gear))

Empire Strikes Back toys are always quick to creep up on my photo radar. They were the last toys that I really collected and played with as a kid back in the early ’80s.

What was the last bunch of toys you collected before rock ‘n roll and boys/girls took over?

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Rebel Forces FTW.

Rebel Forces FTW. (Vintage Snowspeeder, Vintage Tauntaun, Vintage Rebel Soldier, Vintage Princess Leia Hoth Outfit, Vintage Han Solo Bespin Outfit, Vintage 2-1B, Vintage Rebel Commander, Vintage Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot, Vintage Luke Skywalker Hoth Battle Gear, Vintage R5-D4, Vintage Chewbacca, Vintage C-3PO)

Rebel Forces FTW.
(Vintage Snowspeeder, Vintage Tauntaun, Vintage Rebel Soldier, Vintage Princess Leia Hoth Outfit, Vintage Han Solo Bespin Outfit, Vintage 2-1B, Vintage Rebel Commander, Vintage Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot, Vintage Luke Skywalker Hoth Battle Gear, Vintage R5-D4, Vintage Chewbacca, Vintage C-3PO)

When a big box padded with white styrofoam comes into the house it can mean only one thing: Hoth diorama! And yes, I’ll own up to it straight away unless it’s not already completely obvious: unlike most of the shots presented on this site, what you’re looking at is not just one photo but a composite of several.

Buying Notes on the Vintage Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot

Check out the current vintage Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot listings here.

Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot was a toy sold by Kenner from 1978 to about 1985. So there were (and still are) great numbers in circulation, and a fair number of these are still in excellent shape. But keep a few things in mind when tracking one down on eBay.

The Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot action figure probably had more paint applied to it in the production process than any other vintage Star Wars action figure. Face color, facial features, helmet details, vest, chest panel, hands, leg straps, boots. The guy has paint details everywhere. Be sure to see plenty of photos showing that the paint all looks good.

This was an action figure in the true sense of the word. Luke Skwyalker X-Wing Pilot was played with extensively by little kids in the 70s and 80s. If the seller hasn’t already declared that the joints are tight in the auction description, you definitely want to ask before bidding.

Lastly, the figure’s weapon is the Han Solo pistol type of Kenner blaster. Don’t forget: repro accessories suck. Make certain that it’s authentic if possible. You can check out the Imperial Gunnery for some excellent reference on the topic.

Feel free to add any more thoughts on this in the comments section and drop me a line if you get into trouble!
 

Buying Notes on the Vintage Snowspeeder

Check out the current vintage Snowspeeder listings here.

If you’re a collector of loose Kenner vehicles from the vintage Star Wars run and you don’t own the vintage Snowspeeder yet, it’s time to turn that ship around. Ounce for ounce, this is my favorite vehicle for the whole ’78 to ’85 period.

For overall look the Snowspeeder’s got it where it counts. Add on the awesome lights and sound and you can see why we’ve got gold medal material. The harpoon and cool kickstand are icing on the cake.

Ready to climb aboard? Just keep in mind this checklist before going off half cocked on eBay:

1. The Snowspeeder’s lights and sounds are integral to your enjoyment factor. Make sure they both work before bidding. Sure you could take it apart and horse around with fixing the electronics, but that’s something to avoid unless you’ve really got the feel for it.

2. This vehicle has a ton of stickers applied to it. Something like 27 to be exact. Try to get a good feel that they’re all there and not peeling up. For this reason you might want to focus on the Snowspeeders that have clearly been kept over the years with their original box. I’ve seen a strong correlation between a present original box and nice looking stickers.

3. The rear harpoon with its black tether are a MUST. Make sure its there!

Best of luck, and if you have any other thoughts feel free to add them in the comments below.

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